Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (NBC)

Current Conditions at KNBC

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field, Beaufort, SC

Airport Overview

The Beaufort, SC region is served by Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC), a public-use airport at 37 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 4 strip(s); the primary surface extends 12,202 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KNBC.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) connects Beaufort to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 37 ft MSL with 12202-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a SC facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Beaufort to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KNBC for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

With 12202 feet of runway, Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field accommodates the full spectrum of business aviation aircraft. Light jets, midsize jets, super-mids, and heavy jets (including Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ) can operate from KNBC under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from KNBC to your final destination determines the true door-to-door advantage. FBOs at most airports offer car service coordination, rental car delivery to the ramp, and concierge ground transportation for arriving passengers.

What to Know Before You Fly

Fuel pricing varies significantly between airports and FBOs. Jet-A at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field may cost $5.50 to $10.00 per gallon depending on the FBO. On shorter flights, fuel cost is a minor component. On longer legs, the price difference between FBOs adds up. The Jet Finder factors fuel cost into charter quotes to ensure accurate pricing from KNBC.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from KNBC check published notices before every departure. Temporary flight restrictions near stadiums, presidential movements, and military operations can affect routing and timing. The Jet Finder monitors these factors and communicates schedule impacts proactively.

Airport Selection Strategy

Based aircraft availability at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If KNBC has limited based aircraft, the charter operator repositions from the nearest base, adding 30 to 60 minutes of flight time at the hourly rate. The Jet Finder identifies the closest available aircraft to minimize this cost.

Seasonal Factors

Convective weather season (May through September) impacts afternoon scheduling reliability at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from KNBC. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Geographically, Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) is located at 32.4774° N, -80.7232° W near Beaufort, SC. Private aviation clients arriving at KNBC save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field's 12,202-foot runway accommodates every private jet in current production, including ultra-long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500, and Falcon 8X. No runway length restrictions for any private jet category.

FBOs & Ground Services

FBO services at KNBC cover the standard general aviation needs: fuel, parking, and ground handling. Service levels vary by facility size and staffing. Pilots and passengers should coordinate arrival requirements in advance, particularly for after-hours operations at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field.

Charter a Jet from Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field

Private charter from KNBC starts with a single call. Pricing from KNBC depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from KNBC

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KNBC's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field
ICAO Code	KNBC
IATA Code	NBC
FAA Identifier	NBC
Address	Beaufort, SC
Elevation	37 ft MSL
Coordinates	32.4774° N, 80.7232° W
FAA Data	AirNav NBC

Operations & Facilities
Runways	05/23: 12,202 ft (PEM) 14/32: 8,001 ft (PEM) 10/28: 6,425 ft (ASP) 18/36: 3,941 ft (ASP)
FBOs	Airport Services
Customs	Not available
Fuel	Contact airport for availability
Hours	Contact airport for hours
Approaches	Contact airport for approach information
Tower / Freq	See Airport/Facility Directory

Regional Aviation Context

South Carolina's coastal resorts and growing manufacturing sector drive steady charter demand. The state's mild climate supports year-round operations with occasional subtropical weather.

Operational Considerations

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field's 37-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,837 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 12,202-foot runway provides approximately 12,188 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field's 4-runway configuration provides multiple approach options. Wind coverage across multiple runway headings means crosswind limits rarely restrict operations. Pilots should monitor the appropriate frequency for traffic pattern and runway selection. Published noise abatement procedures may designate preferred runways during certain hours.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Beaufort County Airport

KARW · 6 NM from KNBC

Beaufort County Airport

KARW · 6 NM from KNBC

Ridgeland-Claude Dean Airport

K3J1 · 14 NM from KNBC

Hilton Head Airport

KHXD · 15 NM from KNBC

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field is KNBC. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) sits at 32.4774° N, 80.7232° W, near Beaufort, SC. At 37 feet MSL, the airport provides general aviation access to the surrounding region.

4 runway(s) at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field. The longest, 05/23, measures 12,202 feet with a PEM surface, supporting most general aviation and light jet traffic.

Yes, Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field accepts private aviation traffic. With 12,202 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

Ground services at KNBC are provided by the on-field operator. Available services may include aircraft parking, tiedowns, fuel, and basic passenger amenities. Confirm availability before arrival.

Field elevation at KNBC: 37 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field.

Instrument approach availability at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at KNBC.

To arrange a charter from KNBC, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

Aircraft types at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field are limited by the 12,202-foot runway. Light jets (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300), turboprops (King Air, PC-12), and piston singles operate without issues. Larger jets require performance verification.

Check the Airport/Facility Directory for KNBC's tower status. Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field may be towered, non-towered, or part-time tower. Appropriate communication procedures depend on tower operating hours.

Fuel availability at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

International operations from Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact KNBC and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Weather at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field varies seasonally. For current METAR and TAF reports, check aviationweather.gov using identifier KNBC. SC weather patterns can include seasonal precipitation, fog, and convective activity.

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field is located in Beaufort, SC. Distance to the city center depends on the airport's specific location relative to downtown. Ground transportation — car service, rideshare, or rental — is the standard connection from KNBC.

Aircraft parking at Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

To price a charter flight from Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC), contact The Jet Finder with your route, dates, and number of passengers. We provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees. Direct operator access.

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Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC)